New Trying to Decide

[CLEW]

Hi. I'm new to this forum and I am considering a skoolie reno project. But can anyone tell me on average, what mpg can you expect from a skoolie. I'd like to compare a 35' long bus, to a shortie bus. Thank you.

[brokedown]

In my experience the MPG difference between short and long buses has more to do with their gearing than the size. Almost every medium duty chassis bus is getting between 9 and 11 mpg.

If you need to go farther than that on a gallon you need to look into cutaway van buses.


Also, this advice only applies to diesel engines.

[PNW_Steve]

Our Bluebird gets around 10 mpg and our E450 cutaway gets around 12mpg.

[bigskypc50]

My 40' DT466 MT643 setup gets about 10 1/2 to 11MPG.

[PNW_Steve]

I did learn at a couple of bus rallies that fuel mileage goes up if you add alcohol.

We would get together in the evening and talk about buses. Eventually the topic of fuel mileage would come up.

After 3-4 cocktails some of the buses were getting 14mpg......

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bigskypc50

My 40' DT466 MT643 setup gets about 10 1/2 to 11MPG.

My 92 with the same running gear and a 4.44 rear got 8-9.
My new 466E shorty is reported to average 10-12.

[CLEW]

Thanks everyone for your mpg answers, it'll all be helpful when I make my decision about an RV vs. skoolie. From what you have all said, the mpg for skoolies is about the same for already built RVs, or trucks pulling travel trailers. I'm looking to go full-time, so I want to make the best decision that I can.

[PNW_Steve]

If fuel mileage is a major concern you may consider some alternatives.

I made a trip to Mexico a few years ago. I pulled a 30' travel trailer behind my 2001 Ram truck with a 5.9 Cummins, 6 speed manual and 3.73 rear gears. Over 5000 miles I averaged 15.8mpg.

While I was there I met a couple from Alberta who were traveling in a converted Sprinter van. They told me that they were getting 23+mpg.



FWIW: I am selling the above mentioned travel trailer to help fund my skoolie conversion.......

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by CLEW

Thanks everyone for your mpg answers, it'll all be helpful when I make my decision about an RV vs. skoolie. From what you have all said, the mpg for skoolies is about the same for already built RVs, or trucks pulling travel trailers. I'm looking to go full-time, so I want to make the best decision that I can.

You should visit some of the RV forums and see what owners feel about full-timing in them.

Most RV's are built for occasional use. They don't fare well when used for longer-term living.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Twigg

You should visit some of the RV forums and see what owners feel about full-timing in them.

Most RV's are built for occasional use. They don't fare well when used for longer-term living.

Truth!

I have lived full time in 3 different "sticks & Staples" and one bus conversion.

Quality of construction and the ability to make it "my way" are the reasons that I am selling my trailer and converting another bus.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

While I was there I met a couple from Alberta who were traveling in a converted Sprinter van. They told me that they were getting 23+mpg.



FWIW: I am selling the above mentioned travel trailer to help fund my skoolie conversion.......

I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.

Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus.

I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...

.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.

Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus.

I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...

.

It's a 5th wheel trailer. Not bumper pull.

Not well suited to pulling behind a bus.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

It's a 5th wheel trailer. Not bumper pull.

Not well suited to pulling behind a bus.

Uh-huh.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...

.

Don

[CLEW]

I have found only one company who warranties their travel trailers etc for full-time use, the Grand Design manufacturer. From what I have read they build quality travel trailers, and 5th wheels. I haven't looked through any in person yet, but plan to. I've read good reviews online, but I'll have to start asking some owners what they tow with, and what their mpg is. Thanks for all of your answers.

[CLEW]

Wow! 23 mpg that's interesting. I'll check out Sprinter Vans, but I think they would be pretty small for full-time use. I'm considering all suggestions. Thanks.

[Tango]

Seems everyone I know with Sprinters that have the MB diesel get 22-24 mpg no matter how they load it or drive it.

But...the other thing I learned from them was...pray nothing ever needs fixing. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I almost bought a Sprinter many times, but they rust so quick.

Post some pics of the trailer and some info. Maybe some crazy SOB will drag it behind a full-sized bus.

I sold my favorite Army truck to fund this bus addiction. I gave my wife a hug the other day and found my hand caressing that extra kidney she doesn't need while fantasizing about Alcoas...

.

You're wrong man[emoji2][emoji2][emoji2]

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